End double-dipping

The McHenry County Board voted to place a referendum on the November ballot to support change in state law to end the disdainful practice of double-dipping.

The ballot question will read, “Should Illinois law permit an individual to hold two or more public offices simultaneously?” Voters will vote yes or no. Results will be advisory.

Holding two or more public offices simultaneously is one of the states’ worst ethical problems. Two masters cannot be served at the same time. Politicians should not be protected by laws that enable them to collect two or more public paychecks, two or more pensions, and other double benefits simultaneously.

Many township politicians are, or have been, double-dippers for many years. Some state examples: Sen. Bill Peterson also was Vernon Township supervisor (more than 30 years as supervisor) paid $83,804 as a senator and $90,000 as a supervisor (source Chicago Sun Times); Sen. Louis Vivertio, also Stickney Township supervisor (more than 28 years as township supervisor) paid $83,804 as senator and $69,697 as supervisor; Sen. Maggie Crotty, also Breman Township supervisor, paid $74,127 as senator and $38,227 as supervisor.

McHenry County Board examples of double-dipping; board member Marc Munaretto is also clerk for Algonquin Township; Ersel Schuster was Seneca Township supervisor while serving on the County Board. McHenry Township Supervisor Donna Schaefer also served on the County Board while being the McHenry Township supervisor.

State law should not permit double-dipping. The path to end double-dipping starts by voting no.